Ben Schneider

Founded in 1976, the Spirit of Atlanta is Georgia based performing arts organization whose primary mission is to provide young musicians and artists with opportunities to develop life and personal skills through affirmative, high-quality, challenging arts and athletic education programs emphasizing character building, a strong work ethic, teamwork, and the pursuit of performance excellence. Its primary program, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, is a 20-time Drum Corps International World-Class finalist. Comprised of 165 members between the ages of 14-21, the group travels across the United States each year to compete and perform for hundreds of thousands of fans. Performers spend hundreds of hours perfecting a 12-minute show performed on a football field using brass, percussion, color guard (flags and rifles), dance, and other exciting performance elements. The organization is sponsored by Friends of Spirit Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3).